Bit by bit a little greener

The writing instruments manufacturer Schneider in the Black Forrest continues on the „green mile“. After purchasing a first fully electric Volkswagen E-Up for the company fleet, another two ecologically friendly cars were bought. Whereas the Volkswagen E-Up is rather for short rides e.g. to the train station or as a shuttle between the two production sites), the two new Golf GTE are hybrid cars and have a larger range and can therefore cover long distances as well. Schneider employees now have the possibility to access either of the tree cars for business travels.

The gradual transition from the regular to electric driven vehicles was already recorded as an aim in the company’s environmental statement 2014-2017. Little by little changes in the fleet have been made in the past. The purchase of further electric cars is also already planned. So now the company's fleet includes two night blue metallic Volkswagen Golf GTE. They consume an average of only 11.4 kWh and 1.5L gasoline for 100 kilometers. The electric motor has a range of up to 50 kilometers, and the engine can be activated at any time. The new company vehicle travels when E-operating with green energy and thus emission-free. In hybrid mode, it emits per kilometer only 35 grams of CO2.

Business trips by train are obligatory

For business trips to destinations further away within Germany it is obligatory for Schneider employees to use the train. Twenty-seven employees of the company have a frequent traveler card for the Deutsche Bahn (German Railway). In the course of a year the employees cover almost 200 thousand kilometers by train using green energy.

Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world. ~Grant Peterson

An important area that shows great potential to save emissions in a company is the vehicle fleet. To create a greener vehicle fleet and also to reduce the daily commuter traffic CEO Roland Schneider arranged a free company bus which runs during regular working hours. In 2012 he launched an electric bicycle scheme.What started with 12 bicycles and was supposed to be maximum 20 is a huge project and has grown far beyond the initial ideas. Meanwhile, the company numbers 54 active cyclers on its staff. Thanks to the bicycle rental program the everyday commuter traffic could be reduced by more than 150,000 car kilometers since 2013 and Schneider employees are actively involved in the implementation of reducing Schneider’s carbon footprint. Besides, it is not only good for the environment, but also contributes to the health of its workers and familiarizes the people alternatives to using the car.